Bathurst's Lisa Griffith has earned her fourth season of representation in the NSW Breakers squad, a group which has a great Central West feel this time around thanks to the presence Orange's Phoebe Litchfield and first-time selection Emma Hughes, of Dubbo.

Griffith, who captained the Breakers squad last season during Alyssa Healy's absence, is at the age of 27 one of the older heads in a youthful NSW lineup.

There are a total of eight players under the age of 20, including Hughes and Litchfield.

Those youngsters will look to the likes of Griffith, along with Australian representatives Healy, Rachael Haynes and Ashleigh Gardner for guidance as NSW look to win back the Women's National Cricket League title.

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As she gets ready to try and take the Breakers to their 25^th straight WNCL grand final in the upcoming season, Griffith said it's always a great sensation to land a place among the NSW squad.

"I've been fortunate enough to gain a contract again this year and I'm really thankful for that because it's becoming really competitive. I think that's because more girls now have the opportunity to make cricket their livelihood," she said.

"It's weird feeling old in this team, at 27, but it's nice to be considered a leader in the group and to be able to look after some of these younger players and help them in their journey.

"I think a lot of people backed us out last year but a lot of the young girls really stood up and played a big role in the team."

Litchfield's return to the team should come as a surprise to no-one after the 16-year-old averaged 42 in her debut WNCL season in 2019-20.

Hughes, 19, was signed by Sydney Sixers for the Women's Big Bash League season and will now take the step up to the nation's top 50 over competition.

"Having Emma come into this squad in fantastic for her. She's really improving herself over the last few seasons. It'll be exciting having her on board and watching her develop," Griffith said.

"I'm sure Phoebe will show everyone her class and skill again this season, and she's a great person to have around. It's fantastic to see the western girls getting among the action."

The Breakers squad has undergone some significant changes this season.

Pace bowler Sammy-Jo Johnson makes her return to NSW after nine years playing for the Queensland Fire in the WNCL.

Naomi Stalenberg and Saskia Horley were not offered contracts while Johnson helps fill the void left by retiring pair Sarah Aley and Rene Farrell.

"Sammy-Jo has been awesome to have around the group. It's great getting insights into what pre-season looks like from her. She's a class bowler," Griffith said.

"It's great having those Aussie [contracted] girls around because they're not normally around at this time of year. They'd normally be in the national camp so it's great being able to get some of their thoughts around pre-season as well."

Cricket Australia announced the length of the WNCL would remain unchanged this summer, while fixtures are likely to be announced in July.